The Republican | Lori StabilePalmer Senior Center Director Erin E. Pincince, right, shows Mary St. John, left, one of the new American Red Cross emergency preparedness kits that Pincince recently obtained through a grant from the Wing Health Foundation.

PALMER — The Board of Health recently received 60 free mail-back containers for hypodermic needles from the Hampden County Health Coalition that were turned over to the Senior Center to give to elderly residents who may need them the most.

A recent ban by the state Department of Public Health prevents the disposal of needles in household trash, and some communities, such as West Springfield, have kiosks where people can bring their used needles.

But other communities are leaving it up to residents to figure out how to dispose of their needles, as mail-back containers also are available at local pharmacies.

Senior Center Director Erin E. Pincince said the challenge is figuring out to whom to give the containers, but she said some have already been distributed to homebound seniors who use needles to treat their diabetes.

"I know there are seniors in town who need them more than others," Pincince said. "The Meals on Wheels driver took some to people we know can use them, and we know they need them."

She said not all seniors are aware of the ban.

Health Agent Lorri McCool said the free containers, with the return postage already paid, will help people understand the new process.

"It's a new ball game," McCool said.

Pincince also has 200 American Red Cross backpacks, filled with emergency supplies such as a flashlight, food, first aid kit, radio with batteries, glow sticks and gloves, that she obtained through a $10,000 grant that she applied for through the Wing Memorial Health Foundation.

She was motivated to apply for the grant after the weather events of last year, which included the October snowstorm that left some residents without power for a week.

While losing electricity for a week is rare, she said it's not that unusual to lose power for two or three days.

"You don't know when it could happen again," Pincince said.

The backpacks make it easy for seniors to find the emergency items in one place.

"We're just so thankful the Wing Health Foundation gave us the grant for these," Pincince said.

A program will be held Sept. 19 at 12:30 p.m. at the Senior Center by nurse Ruth Amado, who will explain to seniors how to use the emergency backpack kits. Those who attended a spring program will be called to pick up their kits. Pincince said that they are trying to reach out to the seniors who could benefit from the backpacks the most, especially those who are homebound or who live alone.

"If you are homebound we will go out to your house and explain how to use it," Pincince said.